CN105121039A - Systems and methods for sorting seeds - Google Patents

Systems and methods for sorting seeds Download PDF

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Publication number
CN105121039A
CN105121039A CN201480004257.2A CN201480004257A CN105121039A CN 105121039 A CN105121039 A CN 105121039A CN 201480004257 A CN201480004257 A CN 201480004257A CN 105121039 A CN105121039 A CN 105121039A
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China
Prior art keywords
seed
group
glutinous matter
automatic sorting
maize
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S.J.科拉克
W.L.汤姆林森
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EIDP Inc
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EI Du Pont de Nemours and Co
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Publication of CN105121039A publication Critical patent/CN105121039A/en
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07CPOSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/34Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/342Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour
    • B07C5/3425Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour of granular material, e.g. ore particles, grain
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07CPOSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/36Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B07C5/363Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution by means of air
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07CPOSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/36Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • B07C5/363Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution by means of air
    • B07C5/367Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution by means of air using a plurality of separation means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/59Transmissivity
    • G01N21/5907Densitometers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/85Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07CPOSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C2501/00Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material to be sorted
    • B07C2501/0018Sorting the articles during free fall
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/85Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
    • G01N2021/8592Grain or other flowing solid samples
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G01N21/94Investigating contamination, e.g. dust
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/02Mechanical
    • G01N2201/022Casings
    • G01N2201/0221Portable; cableless; compact; hand-held
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01NINVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02Food
    • G01N33/025Fruits or vegetables

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)
  • Sorting Of Articles (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Optical Communication System (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)

Abstract

A system and method are provided for separating seed or grain based on optical differences in the starch composition. A method for separating seed or grain based on optical differences in the starch composition includes receiving a seed group comprising a plurality of seeds. The method further includes illuminating each seed of the seed group from an illumination source disposed behind the seed such that the seed is back-illuminated. The method further includes sorting each seed of the seed group based on the differences in the starch composition. In some cases, the method includes sorting each seed by separating the seed group into the following groups: waxy seeds and non-waxy seeds.

Description

For sorting the system and method for seed
Technical field
Each embodiment of the present invention relates in general to the system, the method and apparatus that can be used for seed sorting.Specifically, The embodiment provides the system, the method and apparatus that are separated seed or grain based on the optical difference in starch composition.
Background technology
Starch from maize (as corn) depends on its composition and quality and have multiple use.These application comprise (such as) and utilize corn starch to improve the uniformity of numerous food, stability and quality.In fact, people have sizable demand for the corn starch of some type.
In some cases, maize seed can produce and be grouped in together, and the seed so usually making to contain starch composition and quality needed for some occurs mixed.Like this, just need a kind of starch based on seed to form and sort the quick of seed and efficient system and method.
Accompanying drawing explanation
To after invention has been general description, be described now with reference to accompanying drawing, accompanying drawing may not be drawn in proportion, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a kind of exemplary seed sorter;
Fig. 2 shows according to exemplary embodiment as herein described, is separated the example system of seed or grain based on the optical difference in starch composition;
Fig. 3 shows according to exemplary embodiment as herein described, and the example system (system as shown in Figure 2) being separated seed or grain by the optical difference in forming based on starch carried out the example seed group of glutinous matter seed and the non-glutinous matter seed sorted;
Fig. 4 shows according to exemplary embodiment as herein described, is separated the flow chart of the exemplary method of seed or grain based on the optical difference in starch composition.
Summary of the invention
Hereafter carry out more complete description to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, accompanying drawing shows part of the present invention (and not all) embodiment.In fact, the present invention can have many different concrete forms of implementation, and should not be construed the embodiment being confined to show herein; But, these embodiments are provided and make the present invention to meet the requirement of applicable law.Same numbering refers to same element in the text.
The difference of maize kind is that its starch forms.Such as, common (e.g., horse flute profile, non-glutinous matter) maize hybrid is simultaneously containing amylopectin and the amylose main component as starch.Hybrid seed is derived from the hybridization of having a mind to of two different self-mating system parental seed kinds.Glutinous matter maize hybrid contains amylopectin as main starch material.Amylopectin is a kind ofly present in soluble polysaccharide in plant and highly branched glucose polymer.It is one of two kinds of compositions of starch, and another kind is amylose.Amylose is the linear polymer be made up of D-Glucose unit.
Some character of amylopectin or glutinous matter corn starch makes glutinous matter starch be suitable for industrial use.Such as, the comparatively easily gelation of glutinous matter starch, thus the clear, viscous paste on band toughness or stickness surface can be produced, be often similar to the starch produced with potato or tapioca (tuber starch).Amylopectin is also more aging, and therefore, it has more stable viscosity.These character being different from common dent corn starch (wherein also containing amylose) are mainly used in comprising the various application of food.。
The grain produced by glutinous matter maize hybrid is used to various demand, comprises the preparation of industrial starch.Compared to standard-bred flute profile maize, producing glutinous matter corn starch needs to be given special attention for industrial scale use.Waxy gene is recessive, and it requires that glutinous matter maize field and any neighbouring horse flute profile (e.g., non-glutinous matter) maize field separate hundreds of rice, to prevent cross-pollination.In some cases, plant the spontaneous horse flute profile maize plant left over upper one year and also may pollute the zeistic production of glutinous matter.In general, spontaneous horse flute profile maize plant a small amount of in glutinous matter corn field just may be enough to pollute monoblock glutinous matter maize field, thus it is mixed to cause glutinous matter maize and horse flute profile maize to occur.
The mixing of this non-glutinous matter grain of glutinous matter maize production site may cause grower to face quality Control.Compared to common horse flute profile maize, glutinous matter maize hybrid normally produces according to the contract being target with starch (wet-milling).In fact, the grain produced by glutinous matter maize hybrid can obtain premium.A part for these premiums for compensating its more low-producing extra cost, and is the proper starch composition guaranteeing grain and the extra work that carries out needed for quality control.Producing in the process of grain with glutinous matter hybrid, glutinous matter seed or grain are kept apart normally very favourable with non-glutinous matter seed or grain.Therefore, there is the demand for cost benefit and high throughput, to guarantee high quality of production and the sorting of glutinous matter maize seed and grain, to remove any non-glutinous matter pollutant.The term " seed " adopted herein, " grain " and " seed " can exchange use in some exemplary embodiments.Seed mentioned by should also be noted that herein or grain may comprise (but being not necessarily limited to) genetically modified, not genetically modified, selfing, hybridization and/or their mixing.
In this article, glutinous matter maize hybrid only contains amylopectin in grain endosperm, and common horse flute profile (such as, non-glutinous matter) hybrid then contains the mixture of amylopectin and amylose.Commercial hybrid seed products is preferably relatively purer in glutinous matter proterties, to guarantee that the crop of manufacturer can not be refused by grain processor.Therefore, for the parental seed strain generating hybrid seed relatively purer (such as, calculate by kernal number gauge, 99.95% is glutinous matter), thus can be accepted.Abandoned situation is not rare owing to being subject to that non-glutinous matter seed pollutes for some glutinous matter maize self-mating systems batch.
Before making the present invention, according to optical characteristics, the technology that non-glutinous matter maize contaminative seed is removed fast from a collection of glutinous matter maize parental seed is not also existed.On the contrary, such as, in order to determine the content of starch in seed, Iod R is employed.。After seed is crushed, the amylose in non-glutinous matter maize endosperm tissue is by the trend that can show color during iodinate and turn dark, but the amylopectin in glutinous matter seed then can not.But because separated seed must maintain vigor state, this coloring properties does not make it available.
Commercially available seed sorter, seed sorter 10 as shown in Figure 1, can adopt the choosing of high flux look distinguish seed and be separated.This sorter can use one or more optical pickocff, distinguishes seed and pollutant based on the reflection wavelength in visible light.In double-colored sorter, filter bank (combination as red/green and red/blue) may be adopted to sort.In some cases, optics sorter can use the optical pickocff comprising multiple photodetector, as charge coupled device and photodiode array.These sorters also comprise one or more ejector mechanism being placed in sensor rear usually.Ejector mechanism comprises the multiple air nozzles be associated with one or more valve (being triggered by the signal of telecommunication synchronous with sensor function).When the seed or do not have with the choice criteria limited in advance being detected, generate the signal of telecommunication to trigger the valve of nozzle when selected seed passes through corresponding injector.Selected seed blows away by air-flow from the seed flow remained.
Such as, in some cases, seed sorter can remove pollutant, as shell and chip, stone, glass, wood chip, the seed of fragmentation, the seed etc. of variable color damage of planting shell.In addition, the sorting of the visible ray of routine and infrared Sorting Technique are also combined use by some seed sorters.
The starch composition that The embodiment provides based on seed carries out effectively and seed sorting fast seed.This sorting can not destroy seed, and it is based on the optical characteristics being sorted seed, and does not need to carry out any specially treated or seed pelleting before sorting.
It is well known that the endosperm of glutinous matter maize seed is by seeming relatively opaque during light source backlight illumination.By contrast, the endosperm of non-glutinous matter maize seed is by then seeming relatively translucent during light source backlight illumination.Some embodiments attempt to utilize this optical difference to be beneficial to being separated of glutinous matter maize seed and non-glutinous matter maize seed, and are conducive to thus removing contaminative seed in high flux mode.
As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the interaction difference in amylose and amylopectin and exterior lighting source can be used to realize non-glutinous matter pollutant at a high speed and removes.Such as, in certain embodiments, colored seeds sorter (the seed sorter 10 e.g., shown in Fig. 1) can be configured with Optical devices, passing twice through after sorter sorts, the assembling of these Optical devices for realize to all non-glutinous matter pollutants close to 100% clearance.By this way, method and system disclosed herein make (such as) use that to be considered to unacceptable parental seed batch to failing to meet pureness specifications with cause becomes possibility.In addition, method and system disclosed herein also can be applicable to the glutinous matter maize product of business results, to guarantee that they meet the purity requirement of end-use market.
In certain embodiments, whether can evaluate the seed (the parent maize seed e.g., on commercial lift or maize grain) of the sample in bulk from glutinous matter seed for the existence of non-glutinous matter maize seed.。In various different embodiment, this evaluation procedure may comprise determines in one group of seed, whether there are one or many non-glutinous matter maize seeds.Specifically, appraisal procedure may to comprise with specific wavelength and energy/intensity illumination from the seed of sample in bulk, then automatically determines whether there is non-glutinous matter contaminative seed.In some cases, the specific wavelength for irradiating seed can substantially in visible spectrum wavelength (that is, wave-length coverage is between about 500nm extremely about 580 nanometers) scope.In certain embodiments, portable/portable spectrum scanner may be used.
In certain embodiments, seed sorter may be used for from batch of seeds, be separated non-glutinous matter seed.Some example valuator device includes, but is not limited to commercially available optics seed sorter, as ScanMasterDE, a kind of double-colored visible, infrared light high power capacity sorter produced by Satake-USA company (Stafford city, Texas (Stafford, Texas)).Although during normal use, seed sorter can be used for evaluating from the sample in bulk of food and choosing pollutant, as stone, glass, soil, damage food, mould and other foreign substance, exemplary embodiments more of the present invention can adjust seed sorter and evaluate with the optical difference (e.g., based on the opacity of every seed) shown based on glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed and sort seed.[because opacity can be considered to lack transparency or translucent state, be to be understood that, in certain embodiments, the present invention is based on optical difference that glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed show to evaluate in opacity level based on every seed and sort seed; And in further embodiments, the optical difference that the present invention can show based on glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed is assessed based on translucence level and sorts seed.]
Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram of the example system 50 according to an exemplary embodiment, and it can be used for distinguishing containing the seed paying close attention to element or proterties to some extent from seed sample in bulk.Specifically, system 50 may be used for being separated seed or grain based on the optical difference of starch composition.In some cases, this system can be through the commercially available seed sorter of adjustment.In the described embodiment, seed sorter 50 comprises at least one container (such as, seed hopper 52), for the seed group of receiving package containing many seeds.Seed sorter 50 also comprises at least one vision system 54, and at least one sorting equipment 55.
Exemplary optics grain/seed sorter 50 has, and such as, comprises the grain/seed supply part 52 of storage tank and oscillating feeder.The grain supplied from this supply section or seed continue to be transported to a skewed slot or groove (e.g., along arrow A) downwards gravity helps.These seeds or grain can be carried downwards on groove or through skewed slot, and can laterally spread out.In certain embodiments, tolerable seed or grain flow through one or more parallel tubing string or groove.These multiple tubing string first class footpaths or groove make seed sort can at full speed, high-throughout mode carries out.In certain embodiments, skewed slot can have smooth detent surface.Detent surface can have the width of multiple width and every seed or grain roughly equal to downtand.By this way, in certain embodiments, system 50 can be configured to carry out seed sorting with the speed of about 200 seeds of every groove per second.
In certain embodiments, the sample in bulk (e.g., seed group) of seed is put into hopper 52, and at least some wherein in this seed sample in bulk may be mixed with the seed that or many has less desirable proterties.Hopper 52 is configured to above-mentioned seed group to collect (e.g., through independently groove or otherwise) processes for by least one vision system 54.In some cases, seed can be carried along arrow A (e.g., seed can be fallen by Action of Gravity Field), and through vision system 54.
In certain embodiments, vision system 54 can comprise: (1) is as described herein with specific wavelength with the lighting device 54a of certain energy luminescence (e.g., bulb), it is selected for irradiation seed sample; (2) optional wave filter 54b, it can be used for the energy filtering the energy launched or the light penetrating seed; (3) image sensing device 54c (e.g., camera, charge coupled device or any other image sensing device), for distinguishing the particular optical signal that seed shows.In the described embodiment, lighting device 54a is positioned at the offside of image sensing device 54c and optional wave filter 54b along Seed paths.In such manner, above-mentioned seed is by backlight illumination.Difference between image sensing device 54c can contribute to distinguishing containing the optical characteristics shown by the common horse flute profile hybrid of the optical characteristics shown by the glutinous matter seed of amylopectin and the mixture containing amylopectin and amylose.
In certain embodiments, at least one image sensing device 54c can be configured to distinguish a series of optical difference between glutinous matter maize seed (substantially containing amylopectin) and non-glutinous matter maize seed (simultaneously containing amylopectin and amylose).Such as, above-mentioned image sensing device 54c can be configured to the opacity level distinguishing every seed, and in certain embodiments, determine opacity level be higher than or lower than predetermined opacity level (e.g., such as determining that seed is the glutinous matter also glutinous matter of right and wrong).As described herein, in some cases, this image sensing device 54c can comprise the element of commercially available optical color screening device.In addition, in certain embodiments, image sensing device 54c can comprise charge coupled device (" CCD device ") and/or cmos device (" CMOS device "), and it is configured to detect by the difference between glutinous matter seed and the light of non-glutinous matter seed transmission.Although in certain embodiments, image sensing device can catch the image of every seed, and in the above-described embodiments, image sensing device adopts single linear array scanning ccd detector, and analyzes the group of single pixel or neighbor.
In certain embodiments, image sensing device 54c (e.g., CCD device) and containing the seed paying close attention to proterties to some extent between, at least one wave filter 54b can be set.Wave filter 54b can be constructed to make the light (e.g., the translucence of non-glutinous matter seed) from seed emissions pass to image sensing device 54c.Such as, in certain embodiments, wave filter 54b can comprise bandpass filter, and its light being constructed to make wavelength substantially equal with target emission wavelength (that is, from the emission wavelength containing the energy of the seed emissions paying close attention to proterties or mark to some extent that is illuminated and/or that excite) is passed through.Such as, above-mentioned mark can be present in the starch type in seed (e.g., non-glutinous matter maize seed).
Optionally, in certain embodiments, wave filter 54b can strengthen the image sensitivity of sensing device.Such as, wave filter 54b can strengthen the detectability to the optical difference that respective amylose and/or amylopectin in glutinous matter seed and non-glutinous matter seed show.
In certain embodiments, based on the existence of amylose whether binary value, can roughly be given every seed by image sensing device 54c (e.g., the calculation element by being associated).In such embodiments, such as, substantially containing amylopectin (as, when glutinous matter maize seed) seed can be labeled as " just " (and thus deflection and/or otherwise directed (such as, by sorting equipment 55) enter one or more "+" container 56).Seed (result that it can be read as " bearing ") containing a large amount of amylose and amylopectin decomposite can abandon and/or otherwise directed (such as, by sorting equipment 55) enters one or more "-" container 58.
As shown in Figure 2, image sensing device 54c (or other element of vision system 54) can carry out communicating (such as with sorting equipment 55 (it can comprise such as valve gear and/or blast injection device), by control device 12), this sorting equipment 55 can be constructed to will " just " seed (namely, there is the seed of paid close attention to proterties, as " glutinous matter " seed) be directed in one or more "+" container 56.In certain embodiments, to the binary system received from image sensing device 54c or other data handling component (such as, control device 12) just or the response of " 1 " signal can be to the orientation of this " just " seed.Equally, sorting equipment 55 also can be constructed to " bearing " seed (that is, not containing seed or the particulate debris of paying close attention to proterties to some extent, as " non-glutinous matter " seed) orientation to enter in one or more "-" container 58.In certain embodiments, can be response that is negative to the binary system received from image sensing device 54c or other data handling component (such as, control device 12) or " 0 " signal to the orientation of this " bearing " seed.
In the above-described embodiments, image sensing device makes binary decision one by one to single pixel in linear array scanning.User defines the minimum value along the neighbor of this line, by counting this grouping to be considered as " defective " to this numerical value.Due to the character of non-glutinous matter and glutinous matter seed, this system can make detector cannot see glutinous matter (opaque) seed completely through setting.Light through non-glutinous matter (translucent) seed arrives detector, and there, the pixel be illuminated can be assigned to " defect " classification.Glutinous matter seed continues to stay on its normal orbit according to the restriction of chute exit.Non-glutinous matter " defective " is then removed from track by injector effect.Therefore, for the sample containing more how glutinous matter seed, injector can be used in relatively rare non-glutinous matter " defective ", but not acts on more common glutinous matter seed sample.
Although the system 50 shown in Fig. 2 illustrates with roughly vertical direction (to make single seed can respond gravity by vision system 54) orientation, system 50 can also otherwise orientation (as, general horizontal direction), and one or more pressurization pneumatic tube and/or transport way can be comprised, it is constructed to guide single seed by various vision system element 54a, 54b, 54c, arrive soon after sorting equipment 55, this device can be constructed to respond the signal that receives from assembly and/or the controller of one or more vision system 54 and will be transported to containing the seed paying close attention to proterties or element to some extent accordingly "+" container 56, and will not be transported to accordingly in "-" container 58 containing the seed paying close attention to element or proterties to some extent.
In certain embodiments, lighting device 54a can comprise light source, it is configured to certain wave spectrum and/or intensity luminescence, and the light transmission containing the seed (e.g., non-glutinous matter seed) of amylose and amylopectin that this illumination is penetrated maize seed and is is enhanced.Or alternatively, in certain embodiments, light source can be any light source that image sensing device 54c can be made to distinguish glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed in addition.In certain embodiments, this system can comprise a more than image sensing device 54c and/or wave filter 54b, makes to be enhanced to the illumination of glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter seed, to contribute to distinguishing seed sample.As mentioned above, any vision system 54 being configured to the existence distinguishing glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed can use, and includes, but is not limited to the vision sensors such as CCD device, CMOS device.
In certain embodiments, sorting equipment 55 can comprise multiple separate pneumatic formula injectors (as " air knife ") of transmitting controlled airflow to show the seed of required proterties at every seed by sorting during sorting equipment 55.The seed (e.g., glutinous matter seed) showing paid close attention to proterties can carry out in the container 56 identified with "+" number in the injected figure of entering.Containing pay close attention to proterties seed (e.g., non-glutinous matter seed) can carry out in the container 58 identified with "-" number in the injected figure of entering.
In addition, in certain embodiments, the seed be contained in "-" container 58 again can pass through system (e.g., by hopper 52), thus make these seeds continually by system 50.In this way, any seed with paid close attention to proterties that is not recognized as can be differentiated in the process of one or many continually by system 50.Thisly can be called as two-way, threeway, four-way or many reduction of fractions to a common denominators continually by system 50 and pick.
In certain embodiments, the what is called " defective products " from first passage still can also be transferred back in system when carrying out again at first passage.Really, some seed sorter can have multiple groove, makes in parallel through being possible.This many grooves sorter also can be commercially on sale.But in the above-described embodiments, glutinous matter (opaque) seed also may be sent back to system and again pass through, to guarantee to remove non-glutinous matter " defective " completely.Therefore, although some originally good glutinous matter seeds may be lost in the part abandoned, by glutinous matter seed again by ensureing that glutinous matter seed obtains optimal isolation.
In certain embodiments, the sample in bulk (e.g., seed group) of seed can comprise have dissimilar (e.g., starch type) and different marker number (e.g., may from different needed for the relevant content of proterties) various seeds.By evaluate seed whether exist organize to certain or certain needed for before relevant certain of proterties or certain group echo, seed is separated from sample in bulk, method herein not only can be used for evaluating seed and whether there is specific trait, quality/the quantity (e.g., the existence of amylopectin and quantity) that also can be used for according to mark carries out classification to seed.
In certain embodiments, embodiment as described in Figure 2, sorting system 50 may comprise control device 12.This control device 12 can in certain embodiments, be configured to based on the mean intensity of the transmitted light through seed/grain determine every grain/seed translucent/transparency or opacity.Such as, in certain embodiments, the cut-off ratio that whether there is (e.g., the opacity level by relative) based on amylopectin and/or amylose and sort glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter seed can be made a change, to adapt to the different various seeds of content of starch.
In certain embodiments, when control device 12 from from image sensing device 54c (as, CCD) when image processing signal identifies non-glutinous matter seed, (or, in the above-described embodiments, when the light through non-glutinous matter (translucent) seed arrives detector and irradiated pixel is included into as " defect " classification), control device 12 can generate to be removed or sorting signal, and this removal/sorting signal is sent to sorting equipment 55 so that in the removal/injector device of aerojet mouth opening/closing valve.In certain embodiments, when removal device receives above-mentioned removal signal, this removal device can short time opening/closing valve, so that jet towards seeds fall approach, thus the defect seed that will remove is separated from the path fallen.As mentioned above, the defect seed/grain sorted out in this process, by defect grain floss hole, is separated from seed sorter.The normal seed not being removed equipment effect by descent path can be reclaimed by a non-defective grain floss hole.In many embodiment:, each groove of sorter is per second may process about 200 seeds.
As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, these seeds (e.g., glutinous matter seed) in the above-described embodiment optionally can be sent back to hopper 52 and pass through for second time.Such as, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times or 6 times or more can be performed secondary to improving the purity of sorted seed, with decreasing pollution seed.In general, 2 times or 3 times by can obtain be greater than 95% purity, preferably 98% or 99% sorting efficiency.In fact, depend on efficiency and the accuracy of sorter, application or can realize under not applying multipass situation 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 99%, 99% or 100% seed purity.Such as, Fig. 3 is exemplified with once by the sorting result of the seed group of rear glutinous matter seed (note, and not all glutinous matter seed all illustrates) and non-glutinous matter seed.In certain embodiments, seed stands one or many possibly and passes through.Fig. 3 also exemplified with under backlight illumination, the translucence of non-glutinous matter seed and the opacity of glutinous matter seed.
In certain embodiments, control device 12 can comprise CPU (CPU).CPU can comprise for the requisite element of computing function.This comprises, such as, video memory, translucence/transparency or opacity comparator, other comparator (e.g., profile comparator), image processing circuit, analyze video memory, input/output circuitry, random access device (RAM) and read-only storage (ROM).Guidance panel and sorting equipment can be connected to input/output circuitry as external equipment.Comprise in the embodiment of air nozzle at sorting equipment, control device can comprise for driving the opening/closing circuit of the valve of this air nozzle.
In certain embodiments, CPU can come control circuit and other elements according to the preset program be stored in ROM or remote server.Video memory according to circulation timei predetermined in control device, can accept the picture signal from CCD line array sensor.Then, the view data in video memory can upgrade according to the mode of FIFO.
In certain embodiments, translucence/transparency or opacity comparator can analyze grain image by the view data generated by video memory compared with translucence/transparency or opacity threshold value, to distinguish the translucent/transparent of seed/grain or opacity, then generate, such as, the binary data of the starch type of seed/grain is represented.The image of these seeds can part be formed in image processing circuit based on these data.In certain embodiments, except translucence/opacity threshold value, the contour images of seed/grain can also be generated by profile comparator.
In certain embodiments, at sorting forward direction exemplary optics grain sorter hopper accommodating seed/grain.Seed/grain the image fallen along skewed slot can be taken by the detecting location that CCD line array sensor is suitable in descent path.Captured image is processed by above-mentioned control device 12, so that the supervision screen display of the display unit (not shown) in guidance panel.In certain embodiments, acceptable product (glutinous matter maize) is for the seed/grain having less opaque section (the glutinous matter of defect-non-), has the seed of more opaque sections (amylopectin).
In certain embodiments, when instruction is sent to effective nozzle indicating circuit from CPU, this effective nozzle indicating circuit can prepare the data about should be chosen the position of carrying out the air nozzle operated by control device.
Here the embodiment of correlation technique is further provided.In this respect, Fig. 4 is exemplified with the embodiment of the method 200 for being separated seed or grain based on the optical difference of starch ingredients.Embodiment for being separated the method for seed or grain based on the optical difference of starch ingredients can be performed by various embodiment described herein (embodiment as said system 50).Embodiment as illustrated in fig. 4, method 200 can comprise receiving package in operation 202 and contain the seed group of many seeds.In addition, the method can comprise irradiates every seed this seed group from being arranged on seed light source behind, and make in operation 204, seed is subject to backlight illumination.
In addition, in certain embodiments, the method can be included in the digital picture obtaining every seed in operation 206.The method also can be included in operation 208, from the opacity level of this digital image analysis every seed.
Finally, the method can be included in operation 210 further, based on the difference of starch composition, sorts every seed in this seed group.
See table 1 below, show experimental result, wherein method and apparatus of the present invention is used to be separated seed or grain based on the optical difference of starch composition.
Table 1
After optical color seed sorter is initially installed and is configured, due to fail satisfied 99.99% glutinous matter seed purity standard, have 19 independently glutinous matter parental seed batch processed by sorter.Each batch is passed through sorter, to realize the removal completely of non-glutinous matter pollutant continuous three times.In these 19 batches, one batch is only had to fail to meet purity rubric after sorting.Determined have 18 batches to reach 100% glutinous matter purity by the experimental determination technology of standard.That batch not meeting code requirement can be made originally to stand the extra number of times by sorter (if requirement of this specific self-mating system product certain demand fulfillment hybridization production).Therefore, glutinous matter seed method for sorting avoid abandon most of script can not meet glutinous matter hybridization product the purity rubric required by subsequent production batch.
Benefit from the enlightenment given in aforementioned description and relevant drawings, those skilled in the art in the invention will expect many variants of the present invention and other embodiment.Therefore, should be appreciated that and the invention is not restricted to disclosed specific embodiment, and be intended to modification and other embodiments to comprise within the scope of the appended claims.Although there is employed herein particular term, they only describe for generality, but not for restriction object.

Claims (34)

1. the optical difference for forming based on starch is separated a method for maize seed, and described method comprises:
Receiving package is containing the seed group of many maize seeds;
Irradiate every seed described seed group from the light source being arranged on described seed behind, make described seed be subject to backlight illumination;
Described difference based on starch composition carrys out every seed in seed group described in automatic sorting.
2. method according to claim 1, wherein sorts every seed and comprises by determining that the opacity level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylopectin content.
3. method according to claim 1, described difference every the seed come in seed group described in automatic sorting wherein based on starch composition comprises every the seed sorted based on the opacity level of described seed when illuminated in described seed group.
4. method according to claim 1, described difference every the seed come in seed group described in automatic sorting wherein based on starch composition comprises every the seed sorted based on the translucence level of described seed when illuminated in described seed group.
5. method according to claim 1, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises and described seed group is divided into following group: glutinous matter seed and non-glutinous matter seed.
6. method according to claim 1, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises:
Obtain the digital picture of every seed; And
From the opacity level of described digital image analysis every seed.
7. method according to claim 1, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises:
Sense the light through at least some in described seed from described light source; And
Any this seed is separated with the seed of wherein sensed light lower than threshold value.
8. method according to claim 1, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises and being separated from the described seed group be confirmed as lower than predetermined opacity level by every seed.
9. method according to claim 1, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises and is separated every seed into the one in two containers.
10. method according to claim 1, the sorting equipment that wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises with comprising at least one in valve gear or blast injection device from described seed group sorts every seed.
11. methods according to claim 1, wherein sort every seed and comprise and being sorted out from described seed group by every seed with the speed of about 200 seeds of each groove per second.
12. methods according to claim 1, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the translucence level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylose.
13. 1 kinds are reduced the method that non-glutinous matter pollutes seed in one group of glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed, and described method comprises:
From described group, remove non-glutinous matter maize seed, make the purity of described glutinous matter seed be at least about 99.5%.
Wherein saidly remove described non-glutinous matter seed and come by high flux sorter, make about 200 seeds of each groove sorting per second.
14. methods according to claim 13, wherein saidly remove non-glutinous matter seed and comprise every the seed sorted based on the opacity level of described seed when illuminated in described seed group from described group.
15. methods according to claim 13, wherein saidly remove non-glutinous matter seed and comprise every the seed sorted based on the translucence level of described seed when illuminated in described seed group from described group.
16. methods according to claim 13, wherein saidly remove non-glutinous matter maize seed and comprise conveying seed, make its one or many additionally by described sorter.
17. methods according to claim 13, wherein said glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed group are selected from:
Transgenic seed;
Non-transgenic seed;
Self-mating system seed;
Hybrid seed; And
Their combination.
18. methods according to claim 13, the purity of wherein obtained described glutinous matter seed is about 99.95%.
19. 1 kinds of seed group comprising the glutinous matter maize seed of at least 99.5%, described seed group is obtained by the method comprised the steps:
Receiving package contains the seed group of many glutinous matter and non-glutinous matter maize seed;
Irradiate every seed described seed group from the light source being arranged on described seed behind, make described seed be subject to backlight illumination; And
Described difference based on starch composition carrys out automatic sorting every seed.
20. seed group according to claim 19, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the opacity level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylopectin content.
21. seed group according to claim 19, described difference every the seed come in seed group described in automatic sorting wherein based on starch composition comprises every the seed sorted based on the opacity level of described seed when illuminated in described seed group.
22. seed group according to claim 19, described difference every the seed come in seed group described in automatic sorting wherein based on starch composition comprises every the seed sorted based on the translucence level of described seed when illuminated in described seed group.
23. seed group according to claim 19, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises:
Obtain the digital picture of every seed; And
From the opacity level of described digital image analysis every seed.
24. seed group according to claim 19, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises:
Sense the light through at least some in described seed from described light source; And
Any this seed is separated with the seed of wherein sensed light lower than threshold value.
25. seed group according to claim 19, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises and being separated from the described seed group be confirmed as lower than predetermined opacity level by every seed.
26. seed group according to claim 19, wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises and is separated every seed into the one in two containers.
27. seed group according to claim 19, the sorting equipment that wherein automatic sorting every seed comprises with comprising at least one in valve gear or blast injection device from described seed group sorts every seed.
28. seed group according to claim 19, wherein sort every seed and comprise and being sorted out from described seed group by every seed with the speed of about 200 seeds of each groove per second.
29. seed group according to claim 19, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the translucence level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylopectin content.
30. seed group according to claim 19, wherein said seed group comprises the glutinous matter maize seed of 99.95%.
31. methods according to claim 1, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the opacity level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylose content.
32. methods according to claim 1, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the translucence level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylopectin content.
33. seed group according to claim 19, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the opacity level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylose content.
34. seed group according to claim 19, wherein sort every seed and comprise by determining that the translucence level of every seed determines whether every seed comprises amylose content.
CN201480004257.2A 2013-01-08 2014-01-06 Systems and methods for sorting seeds Pending CN105121039A (en)

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